Praying with Sunday's Scriptures

By Terri-Brehm Gruber

Focus: Our Paschal Lamb has been immolated. He is the Risen Christ!

Opening Prayer:

Leader: Risen Christ on this joyful day we ask your assistance.

	April 20, 2003, Easter Sunday Reading I: Acts 10:34a;37-43 Reading II: Colossians 3:1-4 or 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8 Gospel: John 12:20-33

All: May the Lord guard our going and coming, both now and forever.

Leader: Prince of Peace, lead our nation down right paths.

All: May the Lord guard our gong and coming, both now and forever.

Scripture Sharing: Today is the Solemnity of Solemnities. It is the peak of joy. What thought line or image from the Scripture readings caught your attention?

Reflection: For fifty days the Church urges us to rejoice. We begin the day with Peter's summary of the life, work, death and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus was with his people. Our sins were brought to the cross of Jesus and through his suffering, death and rising we are healed. We are raised with Christ to seek what is above. Imagine the joy of that woman, Mary of Magdala, who had enjoyed Jesus' presence. What about the confirmation given Peter and John? It is given to us now.

Lent
• Lent-related articles  • 2003 Lenten Wish List (3/7 issue)  • Lenten rules (2/28 issue)

Faith Sharing

1. We are an Easter people. Do you know people who live their lives in Paschal joy?

2. What is it about Easter that strengthens your faith?

3. What part of the Easter story means the most to you?

Action Response: How do you live stewardship as your way of life

1. How can we thank someone who has inspired us to lead our lives as stewards of God?

2. This week if you know of someone who cannot live in the joy of Christ because of sickness, marriage break-up or economic misfortune, what can you do to share a little of your joy?

Closing Prayer (Individuals offer their intentions to bring to prayer.)

Lord Jesus Christ, you are the long awaited Messiah, Son of the Father risen to him in glory. Through the intercession of your mother Mary, your disciple, Mary and the apostles, help us to spread your Easter joy everywhere. Hear the prayers we offer for our nation, our Church and families. Let us go forward in joy. Amen.

(Brehm-Gruber is a member of the Diocesan Writing Team for Faith Sharing Sessions, 2003.)